Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Intersection Crashes by Martin Wiles

People die or incur serious injuries at them, leading authorities to put up warning signs or traffic signals.I cringe when approaching intersections. Though I have only had one wreck at an intersection, I’ve observed others. I watched a tee boned car explode when one driver missed a stop sign. I heard a mother groan as she lay injured and crumpled on the floorboard.

This accident was unintentional; others aren’t. Witness the hurried or daredevil driver approach a four way stop intersection, slow down just enough to check in all directions and then speed through hoping he hasn’t missed anything. Or the drunk driver who overlooks a stoplight because alcohol is overpowering his system. Intentional bad choices at dangerous junctures.

King Solomon’s son Rehoboam made a poor intersection choice and crashed and burned because of it. Solomon gained wealth at people’s expense. When Rehoboam inherited the throne the people requested lighter labor demands and taxes. To his credit, he asked advice from young and old advisors. To his detriment, he took the advice of his young inexperienced peers and made life harsher for his constituents. The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men. (I Kings 12:13-14)

A crucial juncture, a bad choice, a split kingdom and thousands of enemies. Rehoboam isn’t the only one who has crashed at major intersections. I’ve had a few wrecks myself. Some because I didn’t ask advice at all and others because I didn’t ask it of the right people. I consulted those who would tell me what I wanted to hear or affirm what I’d already decided. More importantly, I forgot to ask God what he thought.

When approaching life’s intersections, slow down long enough to consult God and others before making major financial, relational and spiritual decisions.

Prayer: Merciful God, remind us You know the dangers ahead and can provide guidance to help us avoid financial, emotional and spiritual wrecks.

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